Five Things to Know Before You Make a Political Donation

It's election season, and you know what that means: texts from unknown numbers, using all caps, begging you to donate money to one candidate or another. Currently, my phone is full of texts suggesting that I will likely be the sole arbiter of the next president of the United States. This begs the question: How did these people get my number? Can my five bucks really make a difference to a presidential candidate? Here's what to know about making a political donation, both for the candidate and for you.

Donation limits

Political donations are subject to strict limits set by federal and state laws. For federal elections, individuals can donate up to $2,900 per candidate per election (primary and general). There are also annual limits on total donations to all candidates, parties, and PACs. Be sure to research the current limits before making a donation.

Public donor records

You can easily find how much people you know have contributed to political candidates and campaigns. All political donations over $200 are publicly reported and available for anyone to view.

You can use sites like FollowTheMoney.org to browse and search state campaign finance data through the 2024 election year. Select the state you’re interested in from the map, which will open a new tab with a state overview. From there, you can select the office type (gubernatorial, for example) to home in on donation details for specific races.

Your name, address, employer, and donation amount will be part of the public record. This transparency is intended to prevent corruption, but it also means your donation history is accessible.

Timing matters

Donations made earlier in an election cycle are typically more helpful to candidates than late contributions. Campaigns use early funds to build infrastructure, advertise, and mobilize supporters. Donating closer to Election Day is less impactful.

Beware of scams

Unfortunately, scammers sometimes try to take advantage of people's political passions. Be wary of unsolicited requests for donations, especially if they seem urgent or suspicious. Always verify the legitimacy of any campaign or organization before donating. Here are five signs to tell whether those texts and emails asking for political donations are real—or from an opportunistic scammer.

Ongoing fundraising

Even if you only donate a small sum, you will likely be inundated with fundraising requests from candidates across all government levels for that political party. Even a small political donation can result in your contact information being shared widely. You may receive frequent fundraising appeals, not just from the candidate you supported, but from many others across the political spectrum. You can opt out of these lists, but they are common after making a donation.

Making political donations is a meaningful way to help a candidate, even if you can only donate within your means and comfort level. By understanding the rules and implications, you can ensure your contribution has the maximum positive impact—and that your phone isn't spammed with unknown numbers for the rest of your life. Here's how to make sure you're registered to vote in your state.

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